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A custom-built concrete safe room by Oklahoma Shelters

Do Safe Rooms Offer More Protection Than Underground Shelters?

Are you a homeowner in Norman or Oklahoma City? You’ve probably encountered a few tornado warnings by now, which we understand can be quite anxiety-inducing for many residents. Given the climate of Oklahoma and nearby states, safe rooms and underground shelters are common additions for residential and commercial facilities.

But which of the two is safer? Find out in this contrast of safe rooms vs. underground shelters.

Safe Rooms

In the United States, safe rooms are designed to offer maximum protection against violent winds and storms while adhering to FEMA’s guidelines on constructing safe rooms. These are either made of concrete or steel, have heavy-duty doors, and can be built with insulation to regulate temperature.

Safe rooms are also useful in times of nuclear disasters, as their construction is done using materials that make it impenetrable, even for radioactive waste. However, all these features make safe rooms significantly more expensive to install.

Oklahoma Shelters offers steel and concrete safe rooms that can hold anywhere between 4 to 2 people, depending on the size you request. Connect with us for a free consultation on your property.

The inside of a concrete underground bunker with a ladder.

Underground Shelters

Unlike safe rooms, underground shelters and bunkers follow the guidelines of the ICC, specifically their NSSA 500 Standard for the Design and Construction of Storm Shelters. They are typically built within existing structures like garages or basements using lighter metals for quicker installation and fitting. However, lighter metals make for relatively-less safe shelters and lack temperature regulation as they aren’t usually insulated.

At Oklahoma Shelters, you’ll find both underground garage shelters and underground concrete or steel bunkers that follow the guidelines highlighted by relevant authorities. And what’s more, is that we use strong materials to make each for maximum protection against storms.

Still unsure about which safety mechanism is better for your home? You’ve got no reason to worry because Oklahoma Shelters can quickly assess your property and make recommendations accordingly. Call us at 405-367-7901 or leave an email at sales@sm.dev-version.com to get in touch.

All our safe rooms and underground shelters come with warranties, so you can rest assured knowing you’ve made a value-laden investment. For more information on our facilities and installation processes, read through our FAQ section.

 


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A steel safe room being transported on a truck

Concrete Vs. Steel: Which Storm Shelter Is Better?

Deciding the kind of safe room or storm shelter you want to build is one of the most important decisions you’ll take for your family’s safety. That’s why it’s best to be informed on what options you have given your unique requirements, i.e., number of family members, whether anyone has special needs, etc.

This blog will discuss the two most common materials used to build safe rooms across Oklahoma: concrete and steel storm shelters. After the comparison, you’ll know which shelter works best for you.

Deciding Your Specifications

To choose the right type of safe room, ask yourself the following three questions:

  1. Do I need an above-ground shelter or an underground one?
  2. Do I want my shelter to be installed indoors or outdoors?
  3. Do I want to save costs by buying cheaper materials?

Depending on your answers, we can recommend the type of material that would work best for your storm shelter. Keep reading to learn which material would suit your needs better.

Concrete

Concrete is generally considered a heavy material and is readily used in construction because of this feature. As a result, it can withstand harsh winds without being too reliant on anchorages. Additionally, the density of concrete also makes it ideal for the outdoors as well as underground environments. And what’s more, is that it’s cheaper in comparison to other materials.

However, there are some serious downsides to using concrete in your storm shelters. For one, it’s a porous and brittle material which means water can seep through. This also makes it vulnerable to cracks, worsening the seepage issue. Due to this, using concrete to build your safe rooms oklahoma might not be the best idea if your area sees regular heavy flooding.

Steel

On the other hand, steel, while more expensive, is ultimately more durable due to its non-porous properties. Using steel to construct your storm shelter can thus be a desirable long-term investment, given its moisture resistance. Installing steel rooms is also relatively easier, takes up less space, and works for both outdoor and indoor spaces!

That’s why you can install a steel Storm Safe Shelters OKC underground or above ground.

A concrete safe room built with a slope

 

Have you decided on which kind of safe room you’d like installed? Call Oklahoma Shelters for concrete or steel Storm Shelter Expert OKC services and get the process started with a  free shelter quote on your property! We’ll take a quick assessment of where you’d like to install the Storm Safe Shelters OKC, take down the measurements, and get to installing. We can also build a custom shelter for you upon request.

For more information about our services, visit our FAQ page.

 


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A concrete storm shelter in Oklahoma City

Guidelines for Keeping Your Storm Shelter Clean and Well-Maintained

Since Oklahoma is a particularly tornado-prone state, many of its residents have the privilege—need to be more specific—of owning their own personal storm shelter. However, there are several challenges to dealing with the upkeep of any storm shelter, be it a garage shelter or an underground bunker.

Even though Oklahoma Shelters provides shelters with a 10-year warranty against leaks and corrosion and are designed to provide the utmost protection, you should still clean them regularly to ensure the safety of your loved ones.

When cleaning your shelter before and after a storm, it’s important to remember the following.

Get Rid of Any Extra Clutter or Items

Many people make use of their shelters as off-season storage areas. Although tornadoes can occur at any time of year, they are more prevalent in the spring, so this is not a major concern. However, you shouldn’t put off cleaning out your shelter until spring or the storm season.

If you live in an area prone to tornadoes, it’s a good idea to clean your storm shelter a few weeks before the season begins. We recommend avoiding storing anything huge or heavy in case you need to move it quickly.

Upgrade Your Safety And Emergency Kit

In the event of an emergency, every homeowner should prepare an emergency kit, including a full complement of first-aid supplies, nonperishable food items, and water. However, it’s crucial to replenish supplies of food and medicine before they expire (if they haven’t already been donated).

Again, this is not something you want to do in the middle of tornado season. Get ready ahead of time so you can act quickly and confidently when the moment comes.

Clean the Inside of the Storm Shelter

When you haven’t visited your storm shelter for a while, other critters may have taken up residence there. Remove any spider webs, dust, dirt, branches, leaves, or other debris that may have made its way inside.

It’s also important to keep the vents clean to ensure proper ventilation and prevent any injuries that could occur from contaminated air. Make sure to protect yourself with masks and gloves if you do any cleanup after a storm.

Get rid of any germs lurking around and give the place a fresh start by disinfecting the surfaces. This will aid in eliminating any germs or bacteria that may have taken up residence.

Clear The Area Of Any Obstructions

People often leave their cars parked directly in front of the door to their garage shelters or underground bunkers, so it’s best to plan ahead and move them. Park them so you can still get in and out of your shelter, and remove anything else blocking the doorway.

Cars parked above a garage shelter.

Order a storm shelter in Oklahoma City immediately if you don’t already have one. Tornadoes may strike anywhere at any moment, so it’s essential to take precautions to ensure your protection and the safety of those you care about.

We’re experts in building any safe room, from garage shelters to complex underground bunkers, concrete storm shelters, and more. Contact our team today to get one installed in your home.


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A tornado in an open field

Why Is Spring Popular For Tornadoes?

Spring is a warm season that is perfect for flowers to bloom. What most people do not know is that it is also perfect for storm formation. Thunderstorms and tornadoes are historically known to occur during the spring. Similarly, cyclones are famous in the Gulf of Mexico, where dry air collides with cooler air.

This blog discusses how tornadoes are formed in spring and how you can remain safe during extreme weather with the help of storm shelters.

How Tornadoes Are Formed

Tornadoes result from cooler air colliding with more humid, warm air. As the dense air takes over its warmer counterpart, a thunderstorm is formed. This is how many different types of storms form in general.

A mesocycle then sucks in more warm air as the thunderstorm starts gaining momentum. The moist air around the mesocyclone has water droplets that form the funnel cloud, also known as the physical manifestation of a tornado storm.

Let’s look at a few tornado characteristics.

Characteristics of a tornado

  • As a tornado hits the ground, it may only last a few seconds before it vanishes. It only takes a few seconds to cause irreparable damage.
  • A twister, a much speedy tornado, is usually about 660 feet wide and has a speed of 30 mph, and travels for only about six miles before it dies out.
  • Massive tornadoes, which are much rare, travel at an astonishing 300 miles per hour and are responsible for millions of dollarsin property destruction every year.

Where Are Tornadoes Common?

In the United States, tornadoes are famously found in the Great Plains, which is the centre point of the country. This is because the atmosphere here is ideal for the formation of such thunderstorms. The area is also popularly referred to as the Tornado Alley, where storms are formed when cold air traveling south comes in contact with warm air that meets at the Gulf of Mexico.

Tornadoes are not time-bound and can form throughout the year, but the favorable conditions of the spring season make them popular around May and June.

A thunderstorm forming over an open field

 

Preventative Measure During A Tornado

  • If you live in an area that experiences tornadoes, it is best to invest in an underground storm shelter for your safety. Here are a few ways to protect yourself and your loved ones during a tornado:
  • Find a cozy spot to hide in. The basement, a room without windows, or the lowest area in your house are ideal.
  • Keep protective gear over yourself to avoid harm or injury, such as a table or a working bench.

The best way to keep yourself safe during a tornado is to get yourself a storm shelter with enough room for your family. If your area is known to be populated by tornadoes during the spring, it might be a good idea to prepare beforehand.

Oklahoma Shelters may be the right choice for you and your family if you are looking for storm shelters. We provide in-ground shelters, above ground storm shelters, and even Underground bunkers in OKC for our customers in Oklahoma. You can contact us for more information or a free quote shelter.


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A custom-made above-ground storm shelter in Oklahoma City.

Why You Need Your Own Private Storm Shelter in Oklahoma City

The 2020 hurricane season caused a record-breaking $60 billion to $65 billion in economic damage. In areas where hurricanes and tornadoes are common, it’s important for residents to consider installing tornado shelters, as these natural disasters are becoming increasingly dangerous.

Here are some reasons why homeowners need private storm shelters in Oklahoma City:

The Value Of Your Property Will Increase

In locations where hurricanes and tornadoes are common, underground bunkers and storm shelters can increase your home’s value while protecting you and your family from the destructive forces of nature.

According to real estate brokers in Oklahoma, a safe room or tornado shelter can add as much as $2,000 to a home’s selling price. When you factor in the shelter’s influence on your property’s resale value and the peace of mind it provides your family, you’ll realize that a tornado shelter is a worthwhile investment.

In Extreme Weather Conditions, It’s a Safe Haven

If you’re debating whether or not to invest in safe rooms or tornado shelters, consider how much you’d have to pay to repair your home if a tornado struck. You shouldn’t count on your home’s walls to keep you safe from an EF5 tornado, which may overturn automobiles and tear apart structures.

The safety of tornado shelters is ensured by extensive impact testing. Even if winds of over 200 miles per hour hurl debris in your direction, a concrete tornado shelter will protect you.

Installing A Safe Room and Shelter Is Easy

A homeowner’s reluctance to undertake a renovation project or the construction of new rooms is justified, given the time commitment involved. An above-ground storm shelter or a garage shelter can be installed easily in less than ten days. Just make sure you work with a reputable firm.

At Oklahoma Shelters, we have a team of professionals who can quickly construct safe rooms and storm shelters in Oklahoma City without sacrificing quality.

An underground bunker for safety during storms.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Salvation Army, the Red Cross, the Indian Nations, etc., are just some of the prestigious clients for whom we have constructed storm shelters and safe rooms. We do not use any outside contractors to install the storm shelters, but rather our professionals

As a result of our extensive experience, we have provided secure and durable concrete storm shelters in Oklahoma City to commercial and residential buildings. Our garage shelters, underground bunkers, and safe rooms all satisfy FEMA requirements and can withstand even an EF5 tornado.

Explore our website to learn more about our safe rooms and storm shelters, or call us for a free consultation.


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A tornado making its way through a town

Should Your Business Consider Investing In Storm Shelters?

Storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and other types of natural disasters are unpredictable. Every business owner must take every precautionary step necessary to ensure that their business and employees are safe from a catastrophic situation.

You never know what time of day a storm will hit. The sirens could go off at any time, and finding a safe space to reside in is necessary, especially when you’re in a stressful situation. This is where storm shelters come in handy.

Storm shelters are the most effective ways to protect yourself and your employees from natural disasters. Here are a few reasons why your business should consider investing in a reliable storm shelter.

You will Be Better Prepared for a Storm

Being prepared and equipped for any form of natural disaster can help you protect yourself and your employees from life-threatening situations.

Storms and heavy winds do not announce themselves before they arrive. This is why taking this precaution and investing in a storm shelter will help you prepare better before disaster arrives.

Boosts Business and Property Value

One reason why many business owners invest in storm shelters is that it boosts their business’s value.

Whether you live in a storm-prone area or want to safeguard your employees from a disaster, installing a storm shelter will amplify your property’s value while mitigating any risks of damage during natural disasters. Prospective buyers might be more interested in a property better equipped to handle storms than a property not equipped at all.

Your Employees Are Valuable Assets

Two women standing and shaking hands next to a storm shelter

A business heavily relies on the workforce that operates it. Why shouldn’t business owners go the extra mile to protect their employees and invest in equipment that ensures their safety?

A storm shelter will help your employees feel much safer at work but also help you build a better bond with them since you’re looking out for them.

Looking for high-quality storm shelters? Check out our range of custom shelters at Oklahoma Shelters.

We provide a wide collection of premium-quality storm shelters that are engineered to protect you and your employees. Our products include above-ground shelters, garage storm shelters, concrete shelters, underground cement shelters, and much more!

Get in touch with us today to help us keep you and your employees safe.


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Risky Mistakes

Risky Mistakes To Avoid During Tornado Warnings

Tornadoes are one of the nature’s most destructive forces that can occur with little to no warnings.

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Safety KIt

Things To do After a Storm Warning

The best way to prepare for a storm is to start planning as early as possible.

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A man in pink shirt taking a deep breath

How to Keep Calm during a Storm

Storms can be very taxing and can take a toll on your mental health, especially when you experience too many of them. In the US, citizens witness 100,000 storms annually, and this is why a huge number of them are keen to invest in safe room shelters. Continue reading this piece to learn what you can do to keep calm during a storm.

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A tornado seen from a distance in Norman, OK

3 Risky Mistakes You Should Avoid During Tornado Warnings

Tornadoes are one of nature’s most destructive forces that can occur with little to no warning. They can uproot trees, hurl cars into the air, and turn houses into rubble. Preparedness and quick action can help you survive a tornado.

In 2021, the US was hit by 1376 tornadoes which took the lives of more than 100 people. One way to ensure protection is by seeking shelter in safe rooms and other tornado shelters. You don’t have room for mistakes while dealing with a tornado, so here are some that you should try to avoid.

Ignoring Tornado Warning

People often get confused between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. A tornado watch is simply an alert for people in a specific area to prepare themselves as tornadoes may form. Tornado warnings are indicators that a tornado has formed close by in the area and is on the move.

Sometimes these tornado warnings can be false, as nothing happens, but this doesn’t make it a reason to ignore them. Not taking a tornado warning seriously may put you at a greater risk. Evacuate to a storm or community shelter immediately rather than staying at home when a tornado warning is issued in your area.

Opening Windows and Doors

Some people open windows and doors as soon as they hear tornado warning sirens. They believe that opening windows and doors equalizes the wind pressure and prevents the home from exploding if a tornado hits. It is a misconception. In fact, opening windows and doors would increase the likelihood of flying debris entering the home and causing more damage.

Opening them can endanger your life and reduce your home’s structural strength. Don’t waste time on a useless act and try to evacuate to underground shelters as quickly as possible.

A small cabin destroyed by a tornado in Oklahoma City, OK

Standing Close to Windows

When a tornado warning is issued, some people run toward windows to check if they can see the tornado. It’s another common mistake that people make, unaware of tornado dangers.

Tornadoes have high wind speeds, which can go up to 300 mph. Window glass can shatter from wind and flying debris. Glass shards and other flying debris moving at high speed can cause serious damage. Standing too close to windows can put your life at risk, so stay as far as possible from windows to keep yourself safe. Evacuate to window-less shelters such as underground storm shelters to ensure maximum protection.

Get Safe Room Installed in Your Home  in Norman, OK

Tornado shelter installation in houses is the best solution for dealing with tornadoes. Safe rooms approved by FEMA can withstand the strongest ones. If you want a tornado shelter installed in your home, why not consider us? At Oklahoma Shelters, we provide Community Shelter and tornado shelters built-in line with FEMA standards. We have a range of tornado shelters, including safe rooms, garage shelters, underground bunkers , and storm shelters oklahoma  etc. Get a tornado shelter installed that matches your budget and requirements.

Contact us for a free quote and get customized safe rooms according to your need.

 


Storm Shelters

Underground Slope Top Shelter

Concrete Shelter

Underground Garage Shelter

Garage Shelter

Installing Steel Safe Room

Steel Safe Room

Underground Bunker

Underground Bunker

 

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Our friends recommend them and they did an excellent job

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The best company I've ever dealt with, you will not regret it.

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A truly fantastic company!

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It is rare to find a business as professional, service oriented, and motivated to do quality work as Oklahoma Shelters! 

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